Abstract

We use interdisciplinary approaches including theory and experiments to understand how computation is embodied in biological matter. Examples include cognition in single cell protists and morphological computing in animals with no neurons or muscles and origins of complex behavior in multi-cellular systems. I will also share newly invented tools for creating “virtual reality arena” for single cells – enabling never before seen behavior of single cells over multiple spatial and temporal scales. Broadly, these new tools for studying non-model organisms have significant implications for studying microbial life outside the confines of the lab. Time permitting, I will briefly discuss our philosophy towards inventing and distributing “frugal science” tools (such as Foldscope, Paperfuge, Abuzz) to democratize access to science including disease diagnostics, environmental and disease surveillance and enabling citizen sailors to map the ocean in the age of Anthropocene.